Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, Vol. 45, 1393-1400, Copyright © 1997 by The Histochemical Society, Inc.
Quantitative Computerized Image Analysis of Tn and T (Thomsen-Friedenreich) Epitopes in Prognostication of Human Breast Carcinoma
Bao-Le Wanga,
Georg F. Springera,b, and
Sheila C. Carlstedta
a Heather M. Bligh Cancer Research Laboratories, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, Illinois
b Northwestern University, Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
Correspondence to:
Georg F. Springer, Heather M. Bligh Cancer Research Laboratories, Chicago Medical School, 3333 Green Bay Rd., N. Chicago, IL 60064.
The precursors of the blood group N and M-immunodominant structures, Tn and T (Thomsen-Friedenreich) epitopes (EPs) occur in
90% of carcinomas (CAs) but are masked in benign-diseased and healthy tissues. We determined quantitatively on 55 primary invasive ductal breast CAs, stages I to IV, the prognostic value of extent of Tn and T EP expression over an observation period exceeding 5 years postoperatively. Classical, established pathological and histological prognostic characteristic indicators associated with survival were subdivided by standard criteria into favorable and unfavorable categories. Tissue sections were reacted with monoclonal anti-Tn and -T antibodies, followed by the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase-DAB procedure; counterstain was methyl green. Tn and T EPs were then quantitated by computerized image analysis. Of the 55 CAs, 51 clearly expressed Tn and T, and four had traces. Strong Tn EP expression was statistically significantly associated with shortened 5-year disease-free interval, increasing pTNM stages, positive lymph node status, and increasing combined histological grades. T EPs were usually well expressed but showed no significant association with prognostic factors. Our results suggest that quantitative immunohistochemistry-image analysis of Tn EPs of primary breast CAs may add new parameters to prognostication. (J Histochem Cytochem 45:1393-1400, 1997)
Key Words:
invasive human ductal breast, carcinoma, Tn and T epitopes, immunohistochemistry, quantitative computerized, image analysis, prognostication of breast, carcinoma